Holiday parties make the festive season so much fun, as they mean spreading love and joy with people you adore. They’re also a time to impress by providing a feast. Remember to add some healthy holiday snacks to delight kids and their parents.

Why you need healthy holiday snacks

Creating a full-blown menu from scratch takes a while. Americans begin cooking Christmas dinner as early as 9:36 a.m., which causes stress for the adults and boredom for the kids. Having snacks is a great way to ensure everyone is still cheerful. It’s also good to reduce hunger and make sure people don’t eat too much or fast when the party starts.

Why make healthy holiday snacks? It’s already the season for hot chocolates and peppermint candies. Excessive sugar rush causes crashes and mood swings. It can also increase the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses later in life. 

Plus, it’s important to take care of the children’s well-being all year round. Serving healthy holiday snacks is a way to remind them to be careful of overindulging while still getting delicious treats during the festive season.

Healthy Christmas snacks for kids 

Make the kids an appetising little dish they can munch while waiting for the party. Here are some healthy Christmas snacks for kids.

Christmas Deviled Eggs

When serving Christmas dinner late, you need a filling snack. Foods high in protein and fibre keep you full the longest, and there’s no better ingredient than the humble egg. Boil them and remove the yolk. You can add a drop or two of green liquid food coloring. Mash with mayo, mustard, and chopped bell peppers before piping the filling back.

Grinch Fruit Kebabs

If there’s a kid whose favourite movie is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, make the iconic Grinch fruit kebabs. Skewer a green grape onto a toothpick. You can remove the tops of the strawberries to create the base of the hat. A sliced banana and mini marshmallow will complete the holiday look.

Christmas Apple Tree

Create a Christmas apple tree by slicing your Granny Smiths into even wedges. Arrange them into the shape of a traditional tree. Add a pretzel rod in between to act as the trunk. You can use red and green grapes for the Christmas lights. Sharp cheddar balances out the flavours; use a little angel or star cookie cutter to create the shape and place it on top.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of the best healthy holiday snack options. Eating 100 grams will provide you with more than 100% of your daily magnesium requirements. Remember to season them with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Pumpkin spice with some extra cinnamon adds warmth to the dish.

Christmas Quesadilla

Replace gingerbread men cookies with a savoury Christmas quesadilla. Get flour tortillas and use a cookie cutter to create the ideal shape. Place on a lined sheet before sprinkling it with cheese and topping it with another flour tortilla. Bake until melted. You can let the kids use chopped peppers and onions to decorate it themselves.

Gingerbread Granola Bars 

Try making granola bars with gingerbread. Crush and mix with rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon mix. Honey, molasses, and eggs will bind everything together before baking. Remember to cut the bars while warm to separate them.

Banana Snowman

A banana snowman is the easiest and healthiest snack you can make. Slice up your banana and add three to a stick. Add chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons and serve. If you want to take them to the next level, coat them in vegan chocolate and add a raspberry on top.

Festive Frozen Yogurt Bark

Festive barks are an iconic snack and creating them with yoghurt adds a healthy twist. It takes around two to four hours to freeze fully, but you can make it the night before for the best results. Add your chosen fruits and sprinkles to the tray and put it in the fridge.

Veggie Wreath and Dip

Create a vibrant veggie wreath and dip that both kids and adults will admire. Remember to wash all your vegetables before assembling the platter. Sliced celery and cucumbers are a must, but you’d be surprised that boiled peas and broccoli also add plenty of interest. Add a nice ranch dip in the middle, or opt for vegan garlic mayo if you wish.

Apricot Bliss Balls

Bliss balls are a fantastic Christmas snack, as they’re easy to make. You can even let the kids mash the dried apricots and shred the coconut. Zest and juice the oranges for them. Use almond flour for a chewy and soft texture that the kids will love. Mix and create multiple balls.

Watermelon Christmas Trees

Watermelons are such healthy and vibrant fruits. Cut them into little Christmas trees, leaving a little bit of the green end for the trunk. You can pipe patterns with Greek yoghurt to make them look more festive. Chill before serving!

Santa Snack Board

Create the ultimate Santa snack board with crackers, grapes, and strawberries. Use hummus for the base of the face. You can chop up white cheese like mozzarella for the iconic beard and top of the hat. Place cherry tomatoes for the rest of the Christmas hat, nose, and lips. Two olives in the centre would be perfect for the eyes.

Rudolph Rice Cakes

Rudolph rice cakes would also be a hit with the kids. You can use brown rice cakes to make them healthier, but large white rice cakes will do. Top them off with almond or peanut butter to help the pretzels stick. Add chocolate chips and a small red candy for the nose to complete the face.

Mini Star Pizzas

Create small pizza toasties by using a star cookie cutter to slice your white bread. Top with tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella. Add bits of ham and pepperoni and grill for three to four minutes or until golden. 

Kiwi Christmas Trees

Kiwis are among the most underrated fruits, so introducing them to the kids is a great Christmas gift. Slice it down lengthwise and arrange them in the shape of a tree. You can use sliced berries and strawberries for the ornaments and a banana for the star.

Create Healthy Christmas Snacks

Making healthy Christmas snacks for the kids is a joyful activity in itself. You can invite all the children to join and assemble their version of the snacks. It’ll kick off the holiday party right and smiles all around. 

Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.